Being a mompreneur or entrepreneur is somewhat of a trend lately. We’re seeing all kinds of wonderful women really winning in life, and everything appears to be biscuits and gravy.
We also have the ‘wanna-preneurs’ who want to join the moms out there who are winning, but just take a look at their dishes in the sink, the toys on the carpet, dinner that still needs to be made, and homework assignments that need your assistance, leaving you discouraged. You might easily be left thinking, “when in the world am I supposed to have time not only to myself, but to also start a business?”
As my youngest ones were literally yelling their heads off earlier today (for no real reason either) and I was trying to type up a word or two, it dawned on me that I never see these images or videos on Instagram with the hashtag #mompreneur. And just to make sure, I just now went onto Instagram under the tag #mompreneur to see what came up. A lot of it was quotes, and if there was a face in the picture, it was either smiling or ‘smizing’ as Tyra Banks would say. The image that’s portrayed is quite misleading, and I think moms in particular need to be honest about what it actually takes to “make it”.
Below are are 3 things that can help limit the frustration of being a mompreneur that moms do to actually enjoy not only their life, but their kids (cause you know you’ve fantasized once or twice what life would be like, and how much free time and productive you’d be without kids, lol… just saying).
Also related: 5 Ways To Maximize Your Time As A Mompreneur
1. They ask for help
Yes ma’am, your superwoman gig is up. You can do a lot, but you can’t do it ALL, at once, with your hair flawless, and your makeup on fleek. Lies!!! Lol. Lesson: It’s ok to ask for help. Being vulnerable is not a weakness, it’s being human. You may not necessarily want to ask your mother-in-law in case you still want her to think you really are superwoman, but surely there’s someone in your circle, your church or your family, that you can perhaps barter services with. They help you with the kids and you can offer to make them dinner, bake a cake, or watch their children a different day.
2. They stay up past midnight… like waaay past midnight
(Or wake up at 5am, pick your poison) If you’re still getting a full 8 hours of sleep, chances are you’re not accomplishing or completing all the tasks you want to, or could in order to feel like your business is moving forward the way you want it to. Now I’m not saying you absolutely can’t get 8 hours of sleep, all I’m saying is, if you have a couple of kids, it’s highly unlikely on a regular basis. Lesson: There will be sacrifices. Now I’m sure you don’t want to hear this, and some may even disagree. If it isn’t sleep, it’s “Scandal”, or “How To Get Away With Murder”, or any other show produced by Shonda Rhymes, lol. Yes, TV and productivity are not friends.
3. They don’t compare themselves (or try not to)
I’m sure you’ve heard that comparison is the thief of joy, and though it’s easy to say cute quotes like that, I need you to really take that in. You’re bound to stay frustrated if you’re constantly comparing yourself to other mompreneurs out there. How they got where they are, how quickly they got there, how many social media followers they have, etc. Lesson: Don’t do it! Seriously. Your journey is yours and you need appreciate it for what it is. Just thank God that you’re not where you were 10 years ago. Can I get an amen?!
In closing, the actual definition of frustration is “the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of inability to change or achieve something.” I want you to know and realize that you do have the ability to change and achieve anything you set your mind to. With a little bit of patience, a whole lot of planning, and a sprinkle of grace and favor, you got this! Knowing this should hopefully make you a little less frustrated. Don’t give up on your dreams, it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Stay blessed!
Ask yourself: what is one frustration you will commit to letting go of in your life today?
32 Comments
Millie
February 3, 2016 at 2:24 AMAwesome post!I really felt your words speak to me. Hard work and some sleepless nights are part of going after our dreams.
Violette Willis
February 3, 2016 at 1:02 PMThank you dear! Yes, like the saying goes, opportunities are missed by most because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work 🙂
Ty
February 3, 2016 at 1:01 PMI will try to let go of getting frustrated when I don’t get as much as I want to get done because of the “joys of motherhood.”
It’s hard to juggle a 40+ hour a week job, be a Single Mom and be a Blogger, as well. *Sigh*
Ty would like you to check out…How to Apply False Eyelashes Like A Pro
Violette Willis
February 3, 2016 at 1:06 PMHang in there hun. It may not be easy, but it’ll be worth it. Keep your eye on the prize, and just put one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you’ll have conquered that mountain <3
Tanya B
February 3, 2016 at 3:45 PMI will definitely ask for help. I thought I had to do it all or I wasn’t a good multi-tasker. I learned the hard way that I can’t do it all. Thanks for sharing such a great post.
Violette Willis
February 4, 2016 at 5:30 PMThank you!!
Shantae Pelt
February 3, 2016 at 5:04 PMWow ! So very honest and accurate . As a Momprenuer that still works full time it’s increasingly difficult at times. Not everyone understands what a juggling act managing your family, business and your personal well being can be. Yet with a village of supportive MomPrenuers like yourselves it can surely be done. Thank you ! I really enjoyed reading this. Now off to share in about 50-11 groups !
Veronica S
February 3, 2016 at 9:19 PMWow! I so needed to read THIS today! Whew. You absolutely reminded me that it is okay to ask for help. Another poignant statement that resonated with me is to be grateful for where I am in MY journey. It certainly is not easy being a #Momprenuer but it sure is worth it! You can definitely get an AMEN from this mom!
Marcia Shannon 52
February 3, 2016 at 9:22 PMThis blog post is awesome! It was such an easy read. As a mompreneur that is a full time caregiver for her challenged son. I could relate ,especially the sacrifices we have to make. This blog has encouraged me.
Tomika M Brown
February 3, 2016 at 9:25 PMOk…. I admit it… I hate asking for help… But after reading this…. I know I need to get more comfortable with asking for help… No matter if it is sometime or all of the time. I am learning there are so many women out here ready to help me if I ask and I don’t have to be ashamed. It is time to let the ancient ways of thinking go…. We are all better together than alone. Thanks for your views and honesty Tomika
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy
February 3, 2016 at 10:02 PMGrace and favor! Yes, love that. It’s so truth. Grace, Favor & Faith! That’s a sermon by itself.
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy would like you to check out…Meaningful Beauty Product Review
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy
February 3, 2016 at 10:03 PMtypo *true
Jay | Relaxed Thairapy would like you to check out…Meaningful Beauty Product Review
Allison Jones
February 4, 2016 at 2:15 AMAwesome post! I mostly get frustrated because I’m impatient so one of my main goals is to work on that. If I can get my lack of patience under control, I know my frustration levels will decrease as well.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Allison Jones would like you to check out…What He REALLY Wants for Valentine’s Day + FREE PRINTABLE
Kara
February 4, 2016 at 6:48 AMAmen to this post!! Just this past weekend my Aunt told me I need to communicate more and ask for help. I have 3 kids so I never want to place that burden on anyone else. Yup I work up at 5:30 today and an hour plus some change later I’m writing this response. Not comparing myself to others is what made me focus more on my brand and do what I have to do. Loved this post!!
Kara would like you to check out…Tartlette in Bloom | Review, Swatches & Face of the Day
Christine
February 4, 2016 at 1:02 PMGreat advice! I literally just started asking for help and I am so mad I didn’t do that years ago! “Being vulnerable is not a weakness,” AMEN!!! Learning that! 🙂
Christine would like you to check out…So, here’s the thing…I’m a failure.
Christine St.Vil
February 5, 2016 at 7:52 AMAsking for help is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our sanity 🙂
Keeya Waldon
February 4, 2016 at 5:05 PMViolette!!! Thank you for writing this!!! I am a single mother of three. Ages range from 2, 5, and 8. I have no time for myself. My family live in California, so I don’t have much help. It is just myself, kids and mt twin sister. She work 2 jobs, so she is not here to help. I literally have my kids 24/7! It get difficult juggling being a mompeneur when you have to get the kids to school, cook, clean, help with homework, kids yelling and arguing all the while trying to get your career off the ground! I blog and with on my projects in between the madness lol. I mainly do all my blogging at night when the kids go to sleep which can be late as you said! These kids be seriously fighting to stay up! But I love your post and glad someone spoke up and tell us what it is really like behind the scenes to a working mom! Great post
Violette Willis
February 4, 2016 at 5:27 PMHi Keeya. I know what it’s like living far away from family. My family lives in Sweden, my only family here in Canada is hubby and the kids. So I’m pretty much with the kids 24/7 too as a stay at home. That’s why I also added the church as a resource. My church has literally saved me from insanity because they have a lot of activities, and I know if I really need it, I could ask someone there to help me out. I’m not sure if you’re religious/spiritual, but I’d pray to find a good church that could serve as an extended family. Close relationships aren’t built overnight of course but it has certainly helped me.
Christine St.Vil
February 5, 2016 at 7:51 AMIt’s a hustle Keeya, but the rewards will soon outweigh the blood, sweat and tears. Hang in there!
Keeya Waldon
February 4, 2016 at 5:10 PMsorry for the typos! was reading your post and realized I have to get my kids from school lol. I wanted to real quick thank you for writing this post. I read it back and say I have a lot of typos smh. Got to go. God bless and I look forward to reading more of your post!
Keeya Waldon would like you to check out…Why I am holding out for True Love Again
Keeya Waldon
February 4, 2016 at 9:38 PMThanks Violette for the advice. I am a christian! Love the Lord! Have not found a stable church home yet. But I would like to build a community within the church once I find a church home. That is great you have found support! Once again love your post! God bless
Keeya Waldon would like you to check out…What Do You Want you Love Box to Be Filled With?
Valerie Robinson
February 4, 2016 at 10:57 PMWhew – the accuracy of it all! This was right on time – thank you for putting it all in perspective.
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T. Espinoza
February 4, 2016 at 11:56 PMSooo… about that sleep thing. I’m gonna have to pray on that LOL. Great tips though!
T. Espinoza would like you to check out…OOTD: Lipstick Print Top & Faux Leather Skirt
Jamila
February 5, 2016 at 1:15 AMGreat post. Hats off to all the mom entrepreneurs.
Jamila would like you to check out…Meet African American Ballet Dancer Raven Wilkinson…
Nicole (Nicole's Lifestyle Lounge)
February 5, 2016 at 10:24 AMYou nailed it with this article and points. Being a mompreneur is ni easy task. I get overwhelmed at times, breakdown in tears, and sometimes drag myself around.
Nicole (Nicole’s Lifestyle Lounge) would like you to check out…5 Valentine’s Day Ideas to Fall in Love With
Ariel
February 5, 2016 at 2:17 PMSay. This. Violette! We are >here< all the way. Lord knows it is not easy — I saw this having been the mompreneur who only got 4-5 hours of sleep last night. I'll commit to letting go of the frustration called 'completing the to-do list'. I get stressed when I didn't finish something, when the truth is: nothing is ever quite finished in our lives. My grace is that there's tomorrow and setting realistic deadlines. Thanks for this!
Ariel would like you to check out…Marie Therese Metoyer: The Life of a Black Woman Slave Owner
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
February 5, 2016 at 11:31 PMHa! I love this, I post real life on my social media accounts and on my blog. My kids fight and I’ve shared it. I share when its 9AM and they have only been awake for five minutes but are fighting already.
I certainly know what you mean though. They paint the perfect picture when we all know that isn’t the case.
Christine St.Vil
February 6, 2016 at 10:55 PMYou mean like when you’re trying to get some work done but then your 4 yr old decided to swallow a quarter? Surely that type of stuff just can’t happen LOL. I think it’s important to share real life because more people would know they are definitely not alone.
Sonya
February 6, 2016 at 4:06 AMI am so happy that I stumbled upon this entry. It is 2:58 am CST and I have just finished my very long day of children and all of their school needs, husband and his needs, my preschooler and her needs and fitting in time to work on my homebased business. Yes, sometimes the laundry has to wait and the family dinner is served from a bucket on plastic dinnerware, but I am having the time of my life. So blessed to have a wonderful family and a husband who supports my business venture. Living my life, on mainly my own terms, is so worth it…even though sometimes I don’t go to sleep until after 3am.
Sonya @prettyswitches1
Roslyne
February 8, 2016 at 2:21 PMOMG Violette!! You totally hit the nail on the head! Everything you said was the absolute truth. And interestingly enough, I thought it would get easier as my children got older, and it did- kind of! I’m looking forward to seeing how different my Mompreneur life will be when my youngest graduates high school in June and goes off to college. I’m saying silent prayers for Mompreneurs everywhere!
Roslyne would like you to check out…The Chocolate-Cocoa Butter Connection
Violette Willis
February 8, 2016 at 4:51 PMAww, thanks Rosylyne! I’m glad that I’m not the only one looking at my kids like “What in the world??” LOL, while trying to focus on the computer screen. Yes, I’m interested to see how life evolves too as they get older. And THANK YOU for your prayers. They are well received 🙂
Lynne Huysamen
September 13, 2021 at 3:08 AMWell maybe there is a #RealMompreneur hashtag that shows the reality of what happens behind the scenes of mompreneurs? I should have a look! I’m in a constant state of juggling and my to do list appears to just grow every day no matter how many things I get done. That is real life 🙂 I do love being a mompreneur but it can get pretty heavy most days. I have a daily time slot for tidying up, cleaning, laundry and cooking but there is never enough time to get through it all so there is always something messy but that’s ok, the pay off is that I have the flexibility to take time off to look after my kids if I have to. I will never go back to working for a boss!